ttle surprised at seeing them
in close conference. When Lamh Laudher wished him good night, he
had reached an off street which led towards his father's house, a
circumstance at which he rejoiced, as it would have been the means, he
hoped, of terminating a dialogue that was irksome to both parties. He
found himself, however, rather unexpectedly and rudely arrested by his
companion.

"We can't part, Lamh Laudher," said Meehaul seizing him by the collar,
"'till this business is settled--I mane till you promise to give my
sister up."

"Then we must stand here, Meehaul, as long as we live--an' I surely
won't do that."

"You must give her up, man."

"Must! Is it must from a Neil to a Lamh Laudher? You forgot yourself,
Meehaul: you are rich now, an' I'm poor now; but any old friend can tell
you the differ between your grandfather an' mine. Must, indeed!"

"Ay; must is the word, I say; an' I tell you that from this spot you
won't go till you swear it, or this stick--an' it's a good one--will
bring you to submission."

"I have no stick, an' I suppose I may thank you for that."

"What do you mane?" said Neil; "but no matter--I don't want it.
There--to the divil with it;" and as he spoke he threw it over the roof
of the adjoining house.

"Now give up my sister or take the consequence."

"Meehaul, go home, I say. You know I don't fear any single man that ever
breathed; but, above all men on this earth, I wish to avoid a quarrel
with you. Do you think, in the mean time, that even if I didn't care a
straw for your sister, I could be mane enough to let myself be bullied
out of her by you, or any of your faction? Never, Meehaul; so spare your
breath, an' go home."

Several common acquaintances had collected about them, who certainly
listened to this angry dialogue between the two faction leaders with
great interest. Both were powerful men, young, strong, and muscular.
Meehaul, of the two, was taller, his height being above six feet,
his strength, courage, and activity, unquestionably very great. Lamh
Laudher, however, was as fine a model of physical strength, just
proportion, and manly beauty as ever was created; his arms, in
particular, were of terrific strength, a physical advantage so peculiar
to his family as to occasion the epithet by which it was known. He had
scarcely uttered the reply we have I written, when Meehaul, with his
whole! strength, aimed a blow at his stomach, which the other so far
turned aside, as to